Page 10 of Big Nick Energy

Zola pointed offstage. “And now put your hands together for Hamilton University alum, member of Sigma Omicron Nu, and owner of CAP, Community Access Program, Nick Williams!”

Clapping excitedly, I grinned as if Nick knew me for real. Wearing a pair of grey pants and a crisp white shirt, he looked professionally sexy. The relaxed confidence in his stride matched the smile on his face. He was obviously in his element. He always had that sexy, self-assured, seductive energy about him. The stage lights illuminated the undertones of his skin and the sharpness of his hairline. I could even see the deep waves in his hair from where I was seated.

“Mmm mmm mmm,” the woman behind me commented giddily. “Something about those SONs.”

With my eyes laser focused on the sexy man who strolled across the stage, I couldn’t agree with that stranger more.

“He’s the only one up there not wearing a ring,” the woman behind Paris commented.

I bit my bottom lip and tried not to smile.

“And lastly,” Zola started again. “I want you to put your hands together for the Hamilton University alum, world renowned photographer, and Visual Storytelling guest lecturer, Luca Romano.”

“That fine ass man is engaged to the fashion designer Serena Brooks,” the woman behind me pointed out over the thunderous applause.

“Almost all the good ones are taken,” her friend complained.

“Not Nick,” she said in a sing-song tone.

Not Nick,I repeated silently.

Paris and I glanced at each other.

She knew me so well that her smile matched mine because she knew what I was thinking.

It was clear I wasn’t going to be the only one checking for Nick, so I was going to have to take things to the next level and make a bold move.

Three

The panel was entertaining and informative. While my main objective for attending was to fawn over Nick Williams, I was actually incredibly moved by the resilience and the tenacity of all of the panelists. The consensus of the audience was the same—we were impressed and motivated. It was tradition for Friday night to start on a professional note ahead of the rowdy Saturday night. So, the networking mixer was the best opportunity for me to get up close with Nick.

There was a DJ playing instrumental and classical versions of popular songs in the lobby of the library. There was a bar right outside and people were congregating on the steps outside the front doors. There were as many people outside as there were inside. People were milling around, catching up with old friends and making new ones. We ran into a woman who lived in our dorm sophomore year.

“Did you hear about the SONs kickback at that rental house on Elm?” Nicole asked us. She jerked her thumb toward the front door. “It’s by invite only but I just saw a bunch of fine ass SONs outside so I’m going to see about getting invited.”

“Oh?” Paris’s eyes widened. “Who did you see?”

She rattled off a list of names—some of them I knew, some of them I didn’t. “…Dennis, Tuck and?—”

“Tuck was outside?” Paris asked, trying to sound casual.

“Oh yeah, I forgot you were friends with him!” Nicole exclaimed. “He was walking around with Dennis.” Her eyes widened. “You should go say hi to your friend Tuck and then introduce me to his friend Dennis and get us invited tonight!”

Paris shook her head. “I’m sure Tuck doesn’t even remember me.”

“Of course he does!” I assured her. “You two were friends and talked regularly.”

“Let’s go find him and find out,” Nicole insisted, grabbing her arm.

Paris looked at me with wide eyes. I knew she wasn’t asking for my permission or approval. I nodded because she needed my encouragement.

“You two go,” I told them, scanning the room again. “I have my own little side mission I need to tend to. Text me.”

Patting Paris on the back, I mentally gave her a pep talk. A small smirk pulled at her lips before she took a deep breath and left with Nicole. On my own, I didn’t have a second pair of eyes looking for Nick with me. I needed to find a better vantage point to find him.

Climbing the stairs to the second floor of the library, I thought about how I planned to approach Nick when I found him. I was making my way to the little cove that overlooked the first-floor lobby when I heard men laughing. I was hidden by the privacy divider so they couldn’t see me approaching, but once a name was called, I stopped in my tracks.

“Nick, I’m trying to put you on,” the man said with a chuckle.

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